Beachfront property owners braced for the worst amid predictions of a storm surge of up to 4 feet and significant coastal erosion. Powerful waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected to slam beaches, especially in North Carolina, for 48 hours or more as the hurricane crawls northward offshore through at least Thursday.

Hurricane Erin is weakening as it moves away from the United States, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Widespread, moderate coastal flooding was forecast for low-lying areas of Long Island and parts of New York City.